Shkodra, Albania – June 19th 2025
On the occasion of Gymnaestrada Albania 2025, a national event dedicated to gymnastics for all, the Executive Director of Eurogym 2026, Simone Monaco, made an official visit to the city of Shkodra, representing the Organizing Committee of the Italian edition of the European gymnastics festival, which will be held in Pistoia from 9 to 17 July 2026.

During his stay, Monaco took part in numerous institutional and sporting events, meeting the President of the Albanian Gymnastics Federation Leonard Luli, the President of the Albanian Olympic Committee Fidel Ylli and the President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe and participating youth groups from all over Albania. The aim of the visit was twofold: on the one hand, to promote the Italian edition of EUROGYM, on the other to establish synergies and collaborations in view of the great event planned in the heart of Tuscany in 2026.

“These moments of sharing and meeting are essential to build an inclusive, participatory and truly European Eurogym” – declared Simone Monaco – “The atmosphere in Scutari is that of true gymnastics for all: energy, friendship, enthusiasm. This is the spirit that we want to bring to Pistoia”.

The visit was also an opportunity to preview the concept of EUROGYM 2026, illustrating to the interlocutors present the peculiarities of the Italian event: the diffusion of the shows in the historic squares of the city, the workshops in the parks, the strong cultural and tourist vocation of the Pistoia and Tuscan territory, the attention to inclusiveness and sustainability.

With over 5,000 young gymnasts expected from all over Europe, EUROGYM 2026 is a candidate to become one of the most important sporting and cultural events of the year, not only for the city of Pistoia, but for the entire European gymnastics movement.

The Gymnaestrada Albania 2025 thus represented a first, important step in the path towards the Italian edition, consolidating the role of Eurogym as a bridge between sport, culture and integration among young people in Europe.